Ophthalmologic imaging apparatus and ophthalmologic imaging method

ABSTRACT

An ophthalmologic imaging apparatus includes an observation light source configured to generate infrared light for illuminating a subject&#39;s eye via an illumination optical system, an imaging unit configured to receive light returned from the subject&#39;s eye via an imaging optical system, and an electronic shutter control unit configured to refresh charge generated caused by light received by the imaging unit in response to turning off of the observation light source.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/857,876 filed Aug. 17, 2010, which claims priority to Japanese PatentApplication No. 2009-196997 filed Aug. 27, 2009, both of which arehereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an ophthalmologic imaging apparatus forimaging a subject's eye.

2. Description of the Related Art

As an ophthalmologic imaging apparatus, a fundus camera that performsfundus imaging of a subject's eye is widely known. As the fundus camera,a non-mydriatic fundus camera is frequently used, which illuminates thefundus with visible light to perform fundus imaging at the moment when astill image is captured while using near infrared light by which asubject's eye does not feel glare during observation.

In this non-mydriatic fundus camera, a sensor that allows observationand imaging is incorporated in the fundus camera. Thus, miniaturizationof the apparatus is realized. Further, Japanese Patent ApplicationLaid-Open No. 9-308610 discusses a fundus camera in which a frequent andinconvenient adjustment of the amount of light for observation of asubject's eye having different reflectivities is improved whileshortening a period of time from the operation of an imaging switch toacquisition of an image.

Further, a mydriatic fundus camera is also frequently used in which amydriatic agent is instilled into a subject's eye to perform a precisefundus examination and fundus imaging using visible light both duringobservation and imaging.

A mydriatic/non-mydriatic-integrated type fundus camera is known, whichintegrates the mydriatic fundus camera with the above describednon-mydriatic fundus camera to realize a multi-functionality.Furthermore, a fundus camera is discussed in Japanese Patent ApplicationLaid-Open No. 9-66030, which is changed into visible observation at thetime of mydriatic and infrared observation at the time of non-mydriaticby a mydriatic/non-mydriatic function change unit.

Recently, digitization has become easy. Thus, a digital camera, which isgenerally used, is frequently used as an imaging camera of a funduscamera. Particularly, a single-lens reflex digital camera is used isbecause it allow remote imaging from the fundus camera, and it isexcellent in compatibility with a film-type camera up to now, and alsois sufficient in resolution as an ophthalmologic diagnosis image.Further, since it is commonly used, many single-lens reflex digitalcameras have high resolution and latest functional sensor.

A recent fundus camera includes the live view function that is used atthe time of observation during which alignment and focus adjustment areperformed. However, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No.9-308610, a sensor capable of observation and imaging is incorporated inthe fundus camera. Thus, a digital camera, which is generally used, isnot used.

Further, in the fundus camera discussed in Japanese Patent ApplicationLaid-Open No. 9-66030, a charge coupled device (CCD) for performingobservation at the time of non-mydriatic imaging and the observationoptical system thereof are included. Thus, an image sensor forobservation and an image sensor for imaging are needed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to an ophthalmologic imaging apparatusincluding a mydriatic, non-mydriatic, ormydriatic/non-mydriatic-integrated type ophthalmologic imaging apparatusprovided having a live view function.

According to an aspect of the present invention, an ophthalmologicimaging apparatus includes an observation light source configured togenerate infrared light for illuminating a subject's eye via anillumination optical system, an imaging unit configured to receive lightreturned from the subject's eye via an imaging optical system, and anelectronic shutter control unit configured to refresh charge generatedcaused by light received by the imaging unit in response to turning offof the observation light source.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a cameraattachable to and detachable from an ophthalmologic imaging apparatuscontaining an illumination optical system configured to emit infraredlight generated from an observation light source to a subject's eye, andan imaging optical system configured to guide light returned from thesubject's eye, the camera includes an imaging unit configured to receivelight returned from the subject's eye via the imaging optical system,and an electronic shutter control unit configured to refresh chargegenerated caused by light received by the imaging unit in response toturning off of the observation light source.

An ophthalmologic imaging apparatus according to the present inventionexecutes observation using a live view function of a digital camera,which is generally used, and imaging control using electronic shuttercontrol during imaging. Thus, the time period from when an examinerperforms an imaging start operation until imaging is actually performedis minimized. Accordingly, a movement of a fixation position of asubject's eye and an occurrence of the blinks at the moment of imagingcan be prevented. Thus, failure of imaging is reduced.

Further, a digital camera, which is generally used, is used, therebyfollowing the advance of a high resolution sensor, and using the liveview function for observation. Thus, there is no need to configure adedicated sensor such as a CCD for executing observation and anobservation optical system. Thus, an apparatus can be miniaturized.

Further features and aspects of the present invention will becomeapparent from the following detailed description of exemplaryembodiments with reference to the attached drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of the specification, illustrate exemplary embodiments, features,and aspects of the invention and, together with the description, serveto explain the principles of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram illustrating a non-mydriatic funduscamera according to a first exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a state of observation according to the firstexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate flowcharts illustrating a flow of operationsduring imaging according to the first exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIGS. 4A, 4B illustrate timing charts of an imaging camera according tothe first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram illustrating a non-mydriatic modeaccording to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram illustrating a mydriatic modeaccording to a second exemplary embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Recently, a live view function has been added, which uses thesingle-lens reflex digital camera not only for still image recording,but also for moving image observation and moving image recording.Generally, the live view function allows imaging without looking into afinder. Thus, there is an advantage in increasing the degree of freedomof an imaging angle.

However, the non-mydriatic fundus camera is configured so as toilluminate the fundus by visible light to execute fundus imaging at themoment when a still image is captured while using near infrared light bywhich a subject's eye does not feel glare during observation. Thus, atiming signal of visible light illumination during imaging is required.As the timing signal, an open signal is used which is an X contactsignal of a shutter screen of the digital camera, which is generallyused. When the live view function is used, the shutter screen is in anopen state. Thus, when the above-described timing signal is required,the shutter screen needs to be once returned from the open state to aclosed state at the moment of imaging.

Accordingly, when observation and imaging of the subject's eye areperformed using the live view function on the digital camera that isgenerally used, time will be required from when an examiner performs animaging start operation until when imaging is actually performed.Consequently, at the moment of imaging, a fixation position of thesubject's eye may move and the blinks may occur. Thus, this may causefailure of imaging.

An ophthalmologic imaging apparatus according to the present inventionexecutes observation using a live view function of a digital camera,which is generally used, and imaging control using electronic shuttercontrol during imaging. Thus, the time period from when an examinerperforms an imaging start operation until imaging is actually performedis minimized. Accordingly, a movement of a fixation position of asubject's eye and an occurrence of the blinks at the moment of imagingcan be prevented. Thus, failure of imaging is reduced. Further, adigital camera, which is generally used, is used, thereby following theadvance of a high resolution sensor, and using the live view functionfor observation. Thus, there is no need to configure a dedicated sensorsuch as a CCD for executing observation and an observation opticalsystem. Thus, an apparatus can be miniaturized.

Various exemplary embodiments, features, and aspects of the inventionwill be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram illustrating a fundus camera as anophthalmologic imaging apparatus according to a first exemplaryembodiment of the present invention.

The fundus camera is a non-mydriatic type fundus camera. An imagingcamera C is attached behind the fundus camera. On an optical path froman observation light source 1, which is a fundus illumination opticalsystem O1 of the fundus camera, to an objective lens 2 opposing an eye Eto be examined, a condenser lens 3, an imaging light source 4, a mirror5, a diaphragm 6 having a ring opening, a relay lens 7, and a perforatedmirror 8 are arranged in order.

On an optical path of a fundus imaging optical system O2 in a directiontransmitting through the perforated mirror 8, a focus lens 9, an imaginglens 10, a quick return mirror 11, and the imaging camera C arearranged. The observation light source 1 is a light emitting diode (LED)light source that emits infrared light. The quick return mirror 11 hasthe characteristic of transmitting infrared light and reflecting visiblelight. Further, in a direction of reflection from the quick returnmirror 11, an internal fixation lamp 12, in which radiation elementssuch as LEDs for guiding fixation of the eye E to be examined, arearranged.

On the other hand, on the front of the perforated mirror 8, though notillustrated, the LED light source to be used as an alignment index andthe emission end of a light guide, which guides the luminous flux to theeye E to be examined, and an alignment index projection systemconfigured to project the alignment index onto the fundus of thesubject's eye are provided. Similarly, though not illustrated, in theoptical path on the fundus illumination optical system O1, a focus indexprojection system configured to project a focus index on the fundus Erof the eye E to be examined is provided.

As described in the related art, the imaging camera C in the presentexemplary embodiment is a single-lens reflex digital camera. The imagingcamera C is attached to the above-described fundus camera and furtherconfigured so as to be detachable. On the extension of the optical pathin the imaging camera C of the fundus imaging optical system O2, a quickreturn mirror 21, a first curtain 22 a and a second curtain 22 b of ashutter screen 22 for controlling the state of exposure, and an imagesensor 23 are arranged.

Further, in the imaging camera C, output of the image sensor 23 isconnected to a moving image observation monitor 25 including the LCD orthe like via a moving image generation unit 24. Furthermore, the outputof the image sensor 23 is connected to an imaging camera control unit 26configured to execute control of the imaging camera C. Stillfurthermore, outputs of the imaging camera control unit 26 are connectedto the image sensor 23, the mirror 21, and the shutter screen 22 via anelectronic shutter control unit 27 configured to execute electronicshutter control.

Further, in the fundus camera, a system control unit 31 configured toexecute control of the whole fundus camera is included. The systemcontrol unit 31 is connected with the imaging camera control unit 26 onthe imaging camera C. Outputs of the system control unit 31 areconnected to the quick return mirror 11 and further connected to theimaging light source 4 via an imaging light source control unit 32.Furthermore, the system control unit 31 includes an imaging start switchand is connected with an output of an input unit 33 configured toexecute still image capturing of the eye E to be examined.

At the time of alignment, infrared light emitted from the observationlight source 1 passes through the condenser lens 3 and the imaging lightsource 4, and is reflected by the mirror 5. The reflected light by themirror 5 passes through the diaphragm 6 and the relay lens 7, andreflected from the periphery of the perforated mirror 8, passes throughthe objective lens 2 and the pupil Ep of the eye E to be examined, andilluminates the fundus Er.

Then, infrared light reflected from the fundus Er passes through thepupil Ep, the objective lens 2, and the perforated mirror 8, transmitsthrough the focus lens 9, the imaging lens 10, and the quick returnmirror 11 that transmits infrared light, and forms an image on the imagesensor 23 of the imaging camera C.

Thus, infrared light emitted from the observation light source 1 isreflected from the fundus Er, forms an image on the image sensor 23 as afundus image, and can be observed on the moving image observationmonitor 25 as a moving image. The state of observation in the imagingcamera C is a state of live view itself.

On the other hand, each of luminous fluxes emitted from the alignmentindex projection system and the focus index projection system (notillustrated) is reflected from the fundus Er and the cornea of the eye Eto be examined, and forms an image on the image sensor 23. On the movingimage observation monitor 25 illustrated in FIG. 2, with an observationimage Er′ of the fundus Er, alignment indexes WD1 and WD2, and focusindex SP are displayed. Thus, these are observable.

An examiner performs not only the alignment of the eye E to be examinedwith the fundus camera, but also focus adjustment to the fundus Er insuch a manner that the alignment indexes WD1 and WD2 enter a respectivealignment range M, and two focus indexes SP become horizontallystraight.

At this time, in order to guide the reflected image from the fundus Er,the alignment indexes WD1 and WD2, and the focus indexes SP onto theimage sensor 23, the quick return mirror 21 of the imaging camera C isretracted from the optical path on the fundus imaging optical system O2.

Further, a mechanical shutter control unit of the first curtain 22 a andthe second curtain 22 b is in an open state. By this control, alignmentof the eye E to be examined can be performed using the moving imageobservation monitor 25 of the imaging camera C. Furthermore, with thiscontrol by the imaging camera C, a live view function is achieved.

In a state in which the live view function on the imaging camera C isnot used, the quick return mirror 21 is inserted in the optical path ofthe fundus imaging optical system O2. Further, the first curtain 22 a isin the state of light shielding. Thus, the reflected image from thefundus Er, the alignment indexes WD1 and WD2, and the focus indexes SPcannot be guided onto the image sensor 23.

FIG. 3A is a flowchart illustrating an operation in imaging a stillimage. An examiner presses an imaging start switch on the input unit 33after alignment of the eye E to be examined ends. The system controlunit 31 executes processing in step S1 in response to the start signalto start imaging control.

In step S2, in order to guide visible light from the imaging lightsource 4 to the image sensor 23, the system control unit 31 retracts thequick return mirror 11 from the fundus imaging optical system O2.Further, in order not to capture unnecessary light in imaging a stillimage, the observation light source 1, the internal fixation lamp 12,the alignment indexes WD1 and WD2, and the focus indexes SP are turnedoff.

When the imaging preparation control in step S2 ends, in step S3, thesystem control unit 31 executes imaging start control of the imagingcamera C. In the imaging camera C, in response to operation in step S3,imaging start processing in step S11 of the imaging camera C in FIG. 3Bis executed. The control of the imaging camera C will be describedbelow.

The system control unit 31 also executes processing in step S4 on thefundus camera to be executed after the processing in step S3 ends. Thisprocessing is repeated until the end time of the electronic shuttercontrol elapses. In other words, this processing is wait processinguntil electronic shutter control to be executed inside the imagingcamera C ends. Next, when wait processing ends (YES in step S4), theprocessing proceeds to step S5. In step S5, the system control unit 31outputs a radiation command to the imaging light source control unit 32to activate the imaging light source 4.

Visible light thus emitted from the imaging light source 4 passesthrough the fundus illumination optical system O1, and then, reflectedfrom the fundus Er of the eye E to be examined. A fundus-reflected imagepasses through the fundus imaging optical system O2 to be formed on theimage sensor 23. Finally, in step S6, the system control unit 31executes imaging end processing, which is a step opposite the imagingpreparation control executed in step S2.

In a flowchart illustrated in FIG. 3B, imaging start processing in stepS11 is executed by a change from the processing in step S3 on the funduscamera to the imaging camera control unit 26. Subsequent to theprocessing in step S11, in step S12, setting change processing or thelike for imaging is executed by the imaging camera control unit 26.

After processing in step S12, which is imaging preparation processing,ends, then in step S13, the imaging camera control unit 26 causes theelectronic shutter control unit 27 to execute electronic shuttercontrol. Thereafter, in step S14, the imaging camera control unit 26executes shutter control processing. Then, imaging control ends.

Thus, in each imaging control of the fundus camera and the imagingcamera C, emitting control of the imaging light source 4 to be executedin step S5 is executed between the electronic shutter control in stepS13 and the shutter control in step S14.

FIGS. 4A, 4B are timing charts illustrating the state of imaging controlin the imaging camera C. In FIG. 4, “open” represents a state where anoptical path is not intercepted, and “closed” represents a state wherean optical path is intercepted. Further, operations of the quick returnmirror 21, the first curtain 22 a, and the second curtain 22 b areillustrated therein. Respective steps indicate the steps in which theprocessing described in the flowcharts illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3B isexecuted.

Electronic shutter control indicated by a vertical dotted line isexecuted at the timing of step S13 after the imaging start in step S1.The shutter control is executed at the timing in step S14. Emittingcontrol in step S5 is executed between steps S13 and S14.

Thus, light received by the image sensor 23, until immediately beforethe electronic shutter control, is refreshed by the electronic shuttercontrol in step S13, and recorded as a still image after shutter controlin step S14 ends. In other words, only the reflected image of the fundusEr irradiated by the imaging light source 4 in step S5 is stored on theimage sensor 23 to be recordable as a still image.

As illustrated in FIG. 4A, until processing in steps S1 to S14 areexecuted, all of the quick return mirror 21, the first curtain 22 a, andthe second curtain 22 b are in an open state. In other words,irradiation control will be executed in step S5 while the distinctivelive view function described in the first moving image observation unitis used. It is obvious that this control is distinctive control in thepresent exemplary embodiment when compared with the following FIG. 4B.

FIG. 4B is a timing chart illustrating an imaging control when the liveview function is not used. A difference from FIG. 4A is that each of thequick return mirror 21 and the first curtain 22 a is changed from aclosed state to an open state until steps S1 to S14 are executed.

Normally, an X contact signal, which is an open signal of the shutterscreen 22 of the imaging camera C, is output when the first curtain 22 ais changed from a closed state to an open state. In synchronization withthis X contact signal, in step S5, irradiation control is executed.

Thus, in FIG. 4A, electronic shutter control in step S13 substitute thecontrol in which the first curtain 22 a is changed from a closed stateto an open state executed in FIG. 4B. In other words, a movement inwhich the first curtain 22 a is changed from a closed state to an openstate will be achieved by the electronic shutter control in step S13.

Accordingly, light, which is received by the image sensor 23 untildirectly before electronic shutter control, is refreshed after executionof step S13. Only the reflected light from the fundus Er irradiated bythe imaging light source 4 in step S5 is stored in the image sensor 23and recorded as a still image.

Further, processing H illustrated in FIG. 4A is processing to be addedwhen imaging control using the first curtain 22 a illustrated in FIG. 4Bis executed from a state in which a live view function described in thefirst moving image observation unit has been used. However, thisprocessing H is unnecessary processing as obvious referring to FIG. 4A.Furthermore, owing to the processing H of this first curtain 22 a, timefrom step S1 to step S5 may also be required. Owing to this time, thefixation position of the eye E to be examined may also move and theblink may also occur.

As described above, the processing H is not executed. Thus, time periodfrom when the imaging start operation is executed until the imaging isactually executed can be minimized. A movement of the fixation positionof the eye E to be examined and an occurrence of the blinks at themoment of imaging can be prevented. Accordingly, failure of imaging isprevented.

The fundus camera according to the first exemplary embodiment is anon-mydriatic fundus camera and observes by the moving image observationmonitor 25 of the imaging camera C using near infrared light by whichthe eye E to be examined does not feel glare.

Accordingly, not only an image sufficient for observation can beobtained but also a load to be imposed on the eye E to be examined canbe reduced. Thus, not only characteristics of the non-mydriatic funduscamera are retained but also a digital camera such as the imaging cameraC, which is generally used, can be used.

Further, since the live view function is used for observation, theobservation optical system is not needed to be configured by a dedicatedsensor such as a CCD for executing observation. Thus, an apparatus canbe simplified.

FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram illustrating amydriatic/non-mydriatic-integrated type fundas camera integrated with amydriatic and non-mydriatic fundas camera according to a secondexemplary embodiment. Components having the same reference numerals asthose in the first exemplary embodiment are designated by the samereference numerals.

Compared with FIG. 1 according to the first exemplary embodiment, aninfrared light cut filter 41 and a visible light cut filter 42 are addedbetween the condenser lens 3 and the imaging light source 4 in thefundus illumination optical system O1, and an attachable/detachablereflection mirror 43 and a direct viewing finder 44 are provided in theoptical path of the internal fixation lamp 12.

Either of the infrared light cut filter 41 and the visible light cutfilter 42 can be attached and detached in the optical path. Further, thereflection mirror 43 is provided between the quick return mirror 11 andthe internal fixation lamp 12 to allow light to be guided to the directviewing finder 44 that enables an examiner to perform finder observationof the eye E to be examined by visible light.

An input unit 33′ is functionally different from that in the firstexemplary embodiment. In addition to the imaging start switch, amydriatic/non-mydriatic selection switch for changing the state ofobservation between a mydriatic mode and a non-mydriatic mode isprovided. Further, in the first exemplary embodiment, the observationlight source 1 is an LED that emits infrared light. However, in thesecond exemplary embodiment, the observation light source 1 is a halogenlamp that emits visible light.

In the second exemplary embodiment, first, the mydriatic/non-mydriaticselection switch provided on the input unit 33′ is operated to select achange between the mydriatic mode and the non-mydriatic mode. Theattachable/detachable reflection mirror 43 is detached from the opticalpath in a direction of reflection from the quick return mirror 11. Thevisible light cut filter 42 is inserted into the fundus illuminationoptical system O1.

Visible light emitted from the observation light source 1 passes throughthe condenser lens 3 and only infrared light transmits through thevisible light cut filter 42. The infrared light transmitting through thevisible light cut filter 42 passes through the imaging light source 4and reflected from the mirror 5. The processing until an image is formedon the image sensor 23 is similar to that in the first exemplaryembodiment.

Accordingly, the visible light emitted from the observation light source1 includes only infrared light, and the infrared light reflected fromthe fundus Er, and then forms an image on the image sensor 23. The imagecan be observed on the moving image observation monitor 25 as a fundusimage Er′ with a moving image, and alignment can be performed similarlyto the first exemplary embodiment. The attachable/detachable reflectionmirror 43 is detached from the optical path in a direction of reflectionfrom the quick return mirror 11 to allow observation by the directviewing finder 44 while guiding light from the internal fixation lamp 12to the eye E to be examined.

Further, the imaging control is similar to that in the first exemplaryembodiment. The effect thereof is also similar thereto. Morespecifically, in the non-mydriatic mode, on the moving image observationmonitor 25, observation is executed through the first moving imageobservation unit, and in imaging a still image, electronic shutterprocessing is executed by the electronic shutter control unit 27.

When the mydriatic mode is selected, as illustrated in FIG. 6, theattachable/detachable reflection mirror 43 is inserted into the opticalpath in a direction of reflection from the quick return mirror 11 andthe infrared light cut filter 41 is inserted into the fundusillumination optical system O1. The visible light emitted from theobservation light source 1 passes through the condenser lens 3, aninfrared light component is cut by the infrared light cut filter 41, andthen is transmitted.

The fundus image of the fundus Er passes through the objective lens 2,the focus lens 9, and the imaging lens 10, and returns to the quickreturn mirror 11. However, since the quick return mirror 11 reflectsvisible light, the visible light is reflected thereby in a direction ofthe fundus image reflection mirror 43 and can be observed by the secondmoving image observation unit by the direct viewing finder 44. Thus,differently from the first exemplary embodiment, direct view observationusing visible light is performed by an examiner. Thus, alignment of theeye E to be examined can be executed.

Further, the imaging control is similar to the control describedreferring to FIG. 4B in the first exemplary embodiment. The imagingcontrol in this case is a general imaging method using the imagingcamera C. More specifically, in the mydriatic mode, observation isexecuted by the direct viewing finder 44. During imaging, imagingcontrol using the first curtain 22 a is executed.

Thus, the control according to the second exemplary embodiment,according to the selection between the mydriatic mode and thenon-mydriatic mode, in the non-mydriatic mode, observation is executedusing the moving image observation monitor 25 and imaging control usingelectronic shutter processing is executed. In the mydriatic mode,observation is executed using the direct viewing finder 44 and imagingcontrol using the first curtain 22 a is executed.

In the fundus camera according to the second exemplary embodiment,control similar to that of the non-mydriatic fundus camera described inthe first exemplary embodiment is executed in the non-mydriatic mode.Thus, similar to the first exemplary embodiment, a dedicated sensor suchas a CCD for executing observation and an observation optical system arenot required. Accordingly, an apparatus can be simplified.

Particularly, as the second exemplary embodiment, an apparatus havingboth functions of a mydriatic mode and a non-mydriatic mode generallytends to be complicated. Thus, the effect is significant. Further,similar to the first exemplary embodiment, time period from when animaging start operation is executed until imaging is actually executedcan be minimized. Accordingly, a movement of a fixation position of asubject's eye and an occurrence of the blinks at the moment of imagingcan be prevented. Thus, failure of imaging can be prevented.

Aspects of the present invention can also be realized by a computer of asystem or apparatus (or devices such as a CPU or MPU) that reads out andexecutes a program recorded on a memory device to perform the functionsof the above-described embodiment (s), and by a method, the steps ofwhich are performed by a computer of a system or apparatus by, forexample, reading out and executing a program recorded on a memory deviceto perform the functions of the above-described embodiment(s). For thispurpose, the program is provided to the computer for example via anetwork or from a recording medium of various types serving as thememory device (e.g., computer-readable medium).

While the present invention has been described with reference toexemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is notlimited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. The scope of thefollowing claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as toencompass all modifications, equivalent structures, and functions.

This application claims priority from Japanese Patent Application No.2009-196997 filed Aug. 27, 2009, which is hereby incorporated byreference herein in its entirety.

What is claimed is:
 1. An ophthalmologic imaging apparatus comprising: afirst light source configured to generate infrared light forilluminating a subject's eye via an illumination optical system; asecond light source configured to generate visible light forilluminating the subject's eye via the illumination optical system; animaging unit including a receiving surface configured to receive lightreturned from the subject's eye illuminated with the infrared light viaan imaging optical system, the imaging unit being used both as animaging device configured to capture a moving image of the subject's eyeilluminated with the infrared light and as an imaging device configuredto capture a still image of the subject's eye illuminated with thevisible light; an electronic shutter control unit configured to refresh,by electronic shutter processing, charge caused by light received by theimaging unit after turning off the first light source; an irradiationcontrol unit configured to control the second light source to generatethe visible light after the charge is refreshed; and an obtaining unitconfigured to obtain a still image of the subject's eye based on chargecaused by light returned from the subject's eye illuminated with thevisible light and received by the receiving surface via the imagingoptical system.
 2. The ophthalmologic imaging apparatus according toclaim 1, further comprising: a first curtain and a second curtainprovided on the front of the imaging unit; and a mechanical shuttercontrol unit configured to close the second curtain after the secondlight source generates the visible light, wherein the obtaining unitobtains, in a state of opening the first curtain, a moving image of thesubject's eye based on charge caused by light received by the imagingunit before turning off the first light source, and wherein theelectronic shutter control unit refreshes, by the electronic shutterprocessing in the state of opening the first curtain, charge caused bylight received by the imaging unit after the turning off the first lightsource.
 3. The ophthalmologic imaging apparatus according to claim 1,wherein the electronic shutter control unit refreshes, after the firstlight source is turned off in response to a start signal for starting toacquire a still image of the subject's eye using the visible light,charge caused by light received by the imaging unit in response to thestart signal.
 4. The ophthalmologic imaging apparatus according to claim3, further comprising an index projection unit configured to project anindex onto the subject's eye, wherein the electronic shutter controlunit refreshes, after the first light source and the index projectionunit are turned off, charge caused by light received by the imaging unitin response to the start signal.
 5. The ophthalmologic imaging apparatusaccording to claim 3, further comprising an imaging start switching unitconfigured to generate the start signal, wherein the electronic shuttercontrol unit receives the start signal.
 6. The ophthalmologic imagingapparatus according to claim 1, wherein the electronic shutterprocessing achieves an advantage of a movement in which a first curtainis changed from a closed state to an open state.
 7. A camera detachablefrom an ophthalmologic imaging apparatus containing an illuminationoptical system configured to illuminate a subject's eye, and an imagingoptical system configured to the subject's eye illuminated with one ofinfrared light and visible light by the illumination optical system, thecamera comprising: an imaging unit including a receiving surfaceconfigured to receive light returned from the subject's eye illuminatedwith the infrared light via the imaging optical system; an electronicshutter control unit configured to refresh, by electronic shutterprocessing, charge caused by light received by the imaging unit afterturning off a first light source configured to generate the infraredlight for illuminating the subject's eye via the illumination opticalsystem; and an obtaining unit configured to obtain a still image of thesubject's eye based on charge caused by light returned from thesubject's eye illuminated with a visible light and received by thereceiving surface via the imaging optical system, wherein the visiblelight is generated by a second light source configured to generate thevisible light for illuminating the subject's eye via the illuminationoptical system.
 8. The camera according to claim 7, further comprising:a first curtain and a second curtain provided on the front of theimaging unit; a mechanical shutter control unit configured to close thesecond curtain after the second light source generates the visiblelight, wherein the obtaining unit obtains, in a state of opening thefirst curtain, a moving image of the subject's eye based on chargecaused by light received by the imaging unit before the turning off thefirst light source, and wherein the electronic shutter control unitrefreshes, by the electronic shutter processing in the state of openingthe first curtain, charge caused by light received by the imaging unitafter the turning off the first light source.
 9. The camera according toclaim 7, wherein the electronic shutter control unit refreshes, afterthe first light source is turned off in response to a start signal forstarting to acquire a still image of the subject's eye using the visiblelight, charge caused by light received by the imaging unit in responseto the start signal.
 10. The camera according to claim 9, wherein theelectronic shutter control unit refreshes, after the first light sourceand an index projection unit configured to project an index onto thesubject's eye are turned off in response to the start signal, chargecaused by light received by the imaging unit in response to the startsignal.
 11. The camera according to claim 9, wherein the electronicshutter control unit receives the start signal from an imaging startswitching unit configured to generate the stat signal.
 12. The cameraaccording to claim 7, wherein the electronic shutter processing achievesan advantage of a movement in which a first curtain is changed from aclosed state to an open state.
 13. The camera according to claim 7,wherein the imaging unit is used both as an imaging device configured tocapture a moving image of the subject's eye illuminated with theinfrared light and as an imaging device configured to capture a stillimage of the subject's eye illuminated with the visible light.
 14. Anophthalmologic imaging method comprising: refreshing, by electronicshutter processing, charge caused by light received by an imaging unitafter turning off a first light source configured to generate infraredlight for illuminating a subject's eye via an illumination opticalsystem, wherein the imaging unit includes a receiving surface configuredto receive light returned from the subject's eye illuminated with theinfrared light via an imaging optical system; controlling a second lightsource to generate visible light after the charge is refreshed, whereinthe second light source generates the visible light for illuminating thesubject's eye via the illumination optical system; and obtaining a stillimage of the subject's eye based on charge caused by light returned fromthe subject's eye illuminated with the visible light and received by thereceiving surface via the imaging optical system.
 15. The ophthalmologicimaging method according to claim 14, further comprising: obtaining, ina state of opening a first curtain provided on the front of the imagingunit, a moving image of the subject's eye based on charge caused bylight received by the imaging unit before the turning off the firstlight source, and closing a second curtain provided on the front of theimaging unit after the second light source generates the visible light,wherein in the refreshing step, refreshes, by the electronic shutterprocessing in the state of opening the first curtain, charge caused bylight received by the imaging unit after the turning off the first lightsource.
 16. The ophthalmologic imaging method according to claim 14,wherein in refreshing step, refreshing, after the first light source isturned off in response to a start signal for starting to acquire a stillimage of the subject's eye using the visible light, charge caused bylight received by the imaging unit in response to the start signal. 17.The ophthalmologic imaging method according to claim 16, wherein inrefreshing step, refreshing, after the first light source and an indexprojection unit configured to project an index onto the subject's eyeare turned off in response to the start signal, charge caused by lightreceived by the imaging unit in response to the start signal.
 18. Theophthalmologic imaging method according to claim 16, further comprising:receiving the start signal from an imaging start switching unitconfigured to generate the stat signal.
 19. A non-transitorycomputer-readable recording medium storing a program that causes acomputer to execute the ophthalmologic imaging method according to claim14.
 20. The ophthalmologic imaging method according to claim 14, whereinthe electronic shutter processing achieves an advantage of a movement inwhich a first curtain is changed from a closed state to an open state.21. The ophthalmologic imaging method according to claim 14, wherein theimaging unit is used both as an imaging device configured to capture amoving image of the subject's eye illuminated with the infrared lightand as an imaging device configured to capture a still image of thesubject's eye illuminated with the visible light.
 22. An ophthalmologicimaging apparatus comprising: a first light source configured togenerate infrared light for illuminating a subject's eye via anillumination optical system; a second light source configured togenerate visible light for illuminating the subject's eye via theillumination optical system; an imaging unit including a receivingsurface configured to receive light returned from the subject's eyeilluminated with the infrared light via an imaging optical system; afirst curtain and a second curtain provided on the front of the imagingunit; an obtaining unit configured to obtain, in a state that the firstcurtain is opened, a moving image of the subject's eye based on chargecaused by light received by the imaging unit when the first light sourceis turned on; a control unit configured to refresh, in the state thatthe first curtain is opened, charge caused by light received by theimaging unit after turning off the first light source; and anirradiation control unit configured to control the second light sourceto generate the visible light after the charge is refreshed; wherein theobtaining unit obtains a still image of the subject's eye based oncharge caused by light returned from the subject's eye illuminated withthe visible light and received by the receiving surface via the imagingoptical system.
 23. The ophthalmologic imaging apparatus according toclaim 22, further comprising: a mechanical shutter control unitconfigured to close the second curtain after the second light sourcegenerates the visible light.
 24. The ophthalmologic imaging apparatusaccording to claim 22, wherein the imaging unit is used both as animaging device configured to capture a moving image of the subject's eyeilluminated with the infrared light and as an imaging device configuredto capture a still image of the subject's eye illuminated with thevisible light.
 25. An ophthalmologic imaging apparatus comprising: afirst light source configured to generate infrared light forilluminating a subject's eye via an illumination optical system; asecond light source configured to generate visible light forilluminating the subject's eye via the illumination optical system; animaging unit including a receiving surface configured to receive lightreturned from the subject's eye illuminated with the infrared light viaan imaging optical system; a control unit configured to refresh, afterturning off the first light source in response to a start signal forstarting to acquire a still image of the subject's eye using the visiblelight, charge caused by light received by the imaging unit in responseto the start signal; an irradiation control unit configured to controlthe second light source to generate the visible light after the chargeis refreshed; and an obtaining unit configured to obtain a still imageof the subject's eye based on charge caused by light returned from thesubject's eye illuminated with the visible light and received by thereceiving surface via the imaging optical system.
 26. The ophthalmologicimaging apparatus according to claim 25, further comprising an indexprojection unit configured to project an index onto the subject's eye,wherein the control unit refreshes, after the first light source and theindex projection unit are turned off, charge caused by light received bythe imaging unit in response to the start signal.
 27. The ophthalmologicimaging apparatus according to claim 25, further comprising an imagingstart switching unit configured to generate the start signal, whereinthe control unit receives the start signal when the imaging startswitching unit generates the start signal.
 28. The ophthalmologicimaging apparatus according to claim 25, wherein the imaging unit isused both as an imaging device configured to capture a moving image ofthe subject's eye illuminated with the infrared light and as an imagingdevice configured to capture a still image of the subject's eyeilluminated with the visible light.
 29. A control method for anophthalmologic imaging apparatus comprising: generating, by a firstlight source, infrared light for illuminating a subject's eye via anillumination optical system; generating, by a second light source,visible light for illuminating the subject's eye via the illuminationoptical system; receiving, via a receiving surface of an imaging unit,light returned from the subject's eye illuminated with the infraredlight via an imaging optical system; obtaining, in a state that a firstcurtain on the front of the imaging unit is opened, a moving image ofthe subject's eye based on charge caused by light received by theimaging unit when the first light source is turned on; refreshing, inthe state that the first curtain is opened, charge caused by lightreceived by the imaging unit after turning off the first light source;controlling the second light source to generate the visible light afterthe charge is refreshed; and obtaining a still image of the subject'seye based on charge caused by light returned from the subject's eyeilluminated with the visible light and received by the receiving surfacevia the imaging optical system, wherein both the first curtain and asecond curtain are provided on the front of the imaging unit.
 30. Thecontrol method according to claim 29, further comprising: closing, via amechanical shutter control unit, the second curtain after the secondlight source generates the visible light.
 31. A non-transitorycomputer-readable recording medium storing a program that causes acomputer to execute the control method according to claim
 29. 32. Thecontrol method for an ophthalmologic imaging apparatus according toclaim 29, wherein the imaging unit is used both as an imaging deviceconfigured to capture a moving image of the subject's eye illuminatedwith the infrared light and as an imaging device configured to capture astill image of the subject's eye illuminated with the visible light. 33.A control method for an ophthalmologic imaging apparatus comprising:generating, by a first light source, infrared light for illuminating asubject's eye via an illumination optical system; generating, by asecond light source, visible light for illuminating the subject's eyevia the illumination optical system; receiving, via a receiving surfaceof an imaging unit, light returned from the subject's eye illuminatedwith the infrared light via an imaging optical system; refreshing, afterturning off the first light source in response to a start signal forstarting to acquire a still image of the subject's eye using the visiblelight, charge caused by light received by the imaging unit in responseto the start signal; controlling the second light source to generate thevisible light after the charge is refreshed; and obtaining a still imageof the subject's eye based on charge caused by light returned from thesubject's eye illuminated with the visible light and received by thereceiving surface via the imaging optical system.
 34. The control methodaccording to claim 33, further comprising: projecting an index onto thesubject's eye via a projection unit; and refreshing, after the firstlight source and the index projection unit are turned off, charge causedby light received by the imaging unit in response to the start signal.35. The control method according to claim 33, further comprising:generating a start signal via an imaging start switching unit; andreceiving the start signal when the imaging start switching unitgenerates the start signal.